Reflecting on Diversity

 

• With whom did you identify most strongly in the video and why? (a list of the characters in the film is provided below) 

• I relate to both Roberto as well as Hugh. I am Mexican American and just like Hugh shared in the film he was nervous about being in the situation he was in because he does not know what to expect. For me even today I sometimes have fear or anxiety of what waits for me when I go out to public spaces. I never know what to expect but it's always in the back of my mind if I'm going to get mocked when I speak or am I going to get called a racial slur just because I decided to go out? These are things that have happened countless times and it is something that is hard to ignore andI have to think of. I also feel as if I can talk about it but there will always be nerves when talking about subjects like these but I am learning to be more confident in speaking out about my experiences. 

• What moment in the film is most memorable for you, and why is it significant or what did it teach you? 

• I believed a moment that stood out for me was when Hugh said he had a request for Gordon. The request was not to give up on David even though the others in the room know all the stuff they have provided to explain the racism those around them are facing. People constantly show the statistics and facts proving that racism is serious and that it is an ongoing thing. Many people like David do not want to accept it or acknowledge it because it seems to me like as long as it doesn't directly affect them it's almost like it does not exist or matter.

• How has the film added to your understanding of issues related to racial/ethnic diversity, racism, oppression or privilege? 

• It really helped me just understand that there are people that no matter how much you share about what goes on even if it's a personal experiencing they will still try to justify or excuse the reality. It is unfortunate that some people are more difficult to get to open up and understand what was going on. I agree when they said that "I would tell them that it is their responsibility to go educated their white brothers and sisters, that it is my expectation to eliminate racism, I expect them to go and intervene when they see racism going on, I expect them to be as outraged about racism as much as I am as black people, as Asians, as Indians are outraged." I think this was such a powerful and iconic moment in the film because it is important for not just white people but for everyone to stand up against 

• Reflect on your own experience with diversity. How has your own background influenced how you think about culture, race, and people in general? Discuss moments where you’ve witnessed or experienced discrimination, prejudice, or privilege and how it has shaped your understanding of social justice?

• My own experience with diversity I wish I could say was always nice and positive but being latino in places where are mainly dominated by white people has been unsettling and very uncomfortable. I say this because I have experiences where I have been in a difficult spot simply for speaking Spanish. The most recent incident I had was where I had to talk to HR at my work place about the owner of the place where I work had mocked some of my coworkers and I for speaking to each other in Spanish. I brought it to their attention and the HR lady was simply dismissing the frustration that my coworkers and I had. She kept saying that the owner was simply joking and did not mean anything by it and that we can also just speak English since we all know it. I tried to explain to her that telling us that is unfair and not right because even if what he did was a "joke" to him it was not a joke to us. I also explained to her that she does not understand because she does not have to deal with situations like that because she is white. I have had many situations that are far too similar to this and I can only keep feeling upset and worried for others with a different culture or race. I also feel bad for the people who are discriminating against anyone because learning about others cultures and backgrounds is something that I think is beautiful and can open your mind to things you would have never experience if you had not been introduced to different cultures. I think sharing and embracing our differences is what brings us closer and will help everyone understand one another more. I think social justice is possible and we have seen it happen but there is still so much work to do to get to a place where all people of different backgrounds can say they feel comfortable and safe.